With a large team capable of advising private and public clients on high-value and innovative M&A, often with cross-border elements, Linklaters maintains a significant market presence in the corporate space. In addition to its transactional expertise, the team also regularly provides regulatory, tax and employment advice in connection with demergers, corporate reorganizations, and joint ventures. Under the leadership of Arnaud Coibion, the practice maintains close relationships with reputed Belgian and foreign companies in the infrastructure, energy, and chemicals sectors, while also serving a growing number of private equity funds owing to the expertise of An-Sofie Van Hootegem and Evita Bassot. Further key names in the team include corporate finance expert Charles-Antoine Leunen, experienced cross-border M&A specialist Eric Pottier, and Filip Lecoutre, who is particularly noted for his public M&A work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very agile team that is willing to think along with the needs of the client within short timeframes. Dedicated partner on the case who is always supported by the expertise needed at that moment.’
‘Filip Lecoutre is a very calm person with excellent logical and analytical skills. Confident and always with sufficient empathy.’
‘Victor Burki has excellent research and writing skills. Has a certain degree of assertiveness that is needed for the job combined with good oration skills.’
‘Strong M&A practice with high responsiveness on deals and good execution capabilities. The team (and wider Linklaters platform) is also very strong in terms of knowledge offering towards clients (both digital and in-person). ’
Filip Lecoutre is experienced in M&A matters and very responsive on ongoing matters. Nils Vermeulen is a strong senior associate with proven experience in M&A matters who never hesitates to go the extra mile on transactions.’
‘Great understanding of the client's need and excellent experience in M&A. Wide network of offices allowing for a one-stop shop. Diversity at partner level and excellent collaboration with the client.’
‘Charles-Antoine Leunen is a trusted business partner. He has an excellent understanding of the market and provides strategic advice. An-Sofie Van Hootegem is an excellent lawyer with knowledge of market practice. Good negotiator.
Jérémy Filbiche has a good understanding of commercial issues and is able to translate them into transaction documents.’

Key clients

Agfa-Gevaert
Ardian
E&Y
Euroclear
Gimv
Hg Capital
Ontex
Proximus
Sofina
Solvay
Verlinvest

Work highlights

Advised Les Mousquetaires – Intermarché on the acquisition of 89 supermarkets from Mestdagh SA.
Advised Virya Energy on the sale of 100% of the shares in Parkwind NV to JERA Green Ltd., a subsidiary of JERA Co, Inc.
Advised Proximus on the acquisition of a majority stake in Route Mobile, a global company specialising in CPaaS services with a market capitalisation of €1.1bn.